When the Buffalo Bills learned that wide receiver Khalil Shakir suffered a high-ankle sprain before the preseason, it was actually a relief that it wasn’t anything worse. Over the last two years, Shakir has slowly become Josh Allen’s go-to guy and the Bills extended him this past offseason. They clearly believe in him and it looks like they got lucky with just a sprain.
While the Bills may have caught a break, those types of injuries could be lingering so Shakir may not be at full 100% for quite some time. With that being said, it makes you wonder if the Bills may want to consider bringing in some additional help if they feel that their depth isn’t strong enough.
While the Bills should really consider bringing someone like Tyrell Shavers onto the final 53-man roster, we know that this regime loves familiarity. They have shown every year by signing players who have been in Buffalo and then left. They did it this past offseason with players like Tre’Davious White and Dane Jackson. Whose to say that they wouldn’t do it again?
Bills listed as landing spot for not one, but two familiar WR faces
With Shakir’s injury (even though he should be ready for Week 1), Kristopher Knox from Bleacher Report recently listed free agent wide receivers Amari Cooper and Gabe Davis as potential fits for the Bills if Shakir’s injury takes longer to heal than expected.
Here's a bit on what Knox said about Cooper:
"While Cooper didn't have impressive numbers with the Buffalo Bills or Cleveland Browns in 2024 (547 yards, 4 TDs), he had bad QB play in Cleveland and was learning a new offense in Buffalo. He's the most prolific receiver still available now that Keenan Allen has rejoined the Los Angeles Chargers."Kristopher Knox, Bleacher Report
Here's a bit on what Knox said about Davis:
"High-ankle sprains can linger, though, and given Shakir's value to the offense—he caught 76 passes for 821 yards and four touchdowns last season—the Bills could afford to add some receiver insurance. Gabe Davis, who spent his first four seasons in Buffalo before joining the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2024, would be a logical candidate."Kristopher Knox, Bleacher Report
I seriously doubt that the Bills will bring in Davis or Cooper, especially considering the fact that they signed Elijah Moore and Joshua Palmer this past free agency period. Plus, there is hope that Shakir will be back by the time the regular season starts.
Now, if the injury was more severe, then maybe this would be a different discussion. However, it seems very unlikely that we will see Davis or Cooper in a Bills uniform this coming season.